Old Testament
Zechariah 12:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will pour out the spirit of grace and supplications on the house of David and the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me, whom they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only son, and they will be in bitterness for him as one is in bitterness for a firstborn.
Compare translations
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
What Zechariah 12:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God promises to pour out His spirit of grace and prayer upon the people of Israel, particularly the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This outpouring will lead them to recognize and mourn for the one they have pierced, which is a reference to the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The mourning described is deep and personal, akin to the grief felt for a beloved child. This indicates a profound realization of their past actions and a heartfelt repentance. The imagery of mourning for an only son highlights the intensity of their sorrow and the significance of their relationship with God. This verse emphasizes the themes of grace, repentance, and the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, who was rejected and suffered for humanity's sins.
How to apply Zechariah 12:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and recognize the areas where we need to seek God's grace and forgiveness. It reminds us of the importance of repentance and the deep emotional connection we can have with God, especially in times of sorrow and realization of our shortcomings.
Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Zechariah 12:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Zechariah 12:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Zechariah
- Author
- Zechariah the prophet
- Written
- Around 520-480 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Zechariah 12:10 mean?
Zechariah 12:10 speaks of God pouring out His spirit of grace and prayer on the people of Israel, leading them to recognize and mourn for the one they have pierced, which refers to Jesus Christ. This verse highlights themes of repentance and the deep sorrow for their past actions.
What is the significance of 'the spirit of grace' in Zechariah 12:10?
The 'spirit of grace' in Zechariah 12:10 signifies God's unmerited favor and the ability to seek forgiveness. It represents a transformative experience for the people, enabling them to turn back to God with heartfelt repentance.
Who is referred to as 'the one they have pierced' in Zechariah 12:10?
In Zechariah 12:10, 'the one they have pierced' refers to Jesus Christ, symbolizing the suffering and rejection He faced. This phrase emphasizes the deep connection between the people’s recognition of their actions and their need for repentance.
What does mourning for an only son mean in Zechariah 12:10?
Mourning for an only son in Zechariah 12:10 illustrates the profound grief and sorrow that the people will feel upon realizing their rejection of Jesus. It signifies a deep emotional response to loss and the recognition of the significance of their relationship with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.